Four Chinese nationals were arrested in Muntinlupa City after Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents caught them allegedly engaged in cyber fraud at a site suspected of being used for illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related activities.
The recent operation along Montillano Street in Alabang stemmed from intelligence reports that POGO-linked activities were continuing despite the government’s crackdown on the industry.
The raid was carried out by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) under Mission Order No. 2026-321 issued by Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado.
FSU Chief Rendel Sy reported on Tuesday that the four Chinese nationals were caught in flagrante delicto (caught in the act) allegedly engaged in cyber fraud activities.
They were identified as Qiao Zhong, 30, an undocumented foreign national; Tang Ke, 31, an overstaying foreign national without a proper visa; Liu Peng, 35, also an overstaying foreign national; and Zhang Caiyu, 42, an overstaying foreign national subject to an existing blacklist order.
Zhang was also identified as a former POGO worker.
The operation was part of the government’s continuing campaign to dismantle illegal POGO operations and crack down on foreign nationals involved in unlawful activities.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to end POGO operations in the country and intensify enforcement against related illegal activities.
Viado praised the FSU for acting swiftly on the intelligence report and maintaining vigilance against foreigners suspected of violating Philippine laws.
“The Bureau of Immigration will remain relentless in enforcing our immigration laws and in supporting the government’s policy to shut down illegal POGO operations,” Viado said.
He said the BI would continue using intelligence-driven operations to identify and apprehend foreign nationals involved in illegal activities.
The BI chief also urged the public to report information on foreign nationals suspected of unlawful activities.
Reports may be made through the BI hotline at (+632) 8-465-2400, or via immigPH@immigration.gov.ph and xinfo@immigration.gov.ph.
The bureau said information from the public remains crucial in helping authorities detect illegal activities and strengthen immigration and border security enforcement.